Powerlifters in Regina for national competition

They’re completing feats some people couldn’t attempt in their wildest dreams; the strongest people in Canada descended on Regina this week for the Canadian Powerlifting and Bench press Championships.

The grunts, barks, and clanging of equipment rang through the DoubleTree by Hilton for most of the week.

Ryan Stinn is one of the meet directors. He said all kinds of people were there to compete.

“All ages weights and sizes. We have people, I think, as young as about 15 years old, and then some as old as 70 or 72. And sizes range from up to about 100 pounds up to well over 300 pounds … It is a sport accessible to everyone, and it shows.”

Stinn said most people get into powerlifting through training for another sport. He said a friend wanted to give it a shot, and took him along for the ride.

“Luckily enough we had a group of power lifters in Moose Jaw that kind of took us under their wing, and kind of mentored us.”

Stinn is competing in the super-heavyweight group on Saturday. He said he’s recovering from an injury, so his lifts will be limited, hoping to squat and bench press near 660 lbs., and deadlift around 700lbs.

The competition continues into Saturday evening, with tickets $5 at the door.